‘Doctor Who’ Producer Jane Tranter to Chair 50th Edinburgh TV Festival

Jane Tranter has been named advisory chair for the 2025 Edinburgh TV Festival, which also marks the 50th anniversary of its MacTaggart Lecture.

The influential TV executive, whose production company Bad Wolf is currently producing “Doctor Who” alongside BBC Studios, will work with creative director Rowan Woods to shape the festival’s editorial direction.

Tranter brings serious industry muscle to the role, having previously served as BBC’s controller of drama and fiction before launching BBC Worldwide Productions in Los Angeles. The veteran producer’s slate includes HBO’s Emmy-winning “The Night Of,” BBC/HBO’s “Industry,” and the BAFTA-winning “I Hate Suzie.” She also executive produced HBO’s zeitgeist-defining drama “Succession.”

The festival is rolling out major changes to its programming approach, introducing an open call for session ideas and producers – a departure from its previous advisory committee model. Session producers will receive complimentary festival passes, while a series of town hall meetings across the U.K. will help shape the event’s agenda.

The 2025 edition will also expand its accessibility initiatives with increased bursaries and a new program targeting first-time attendees.

“The U.K. TV industry has flourished in the last half century and in no small way that is due to distinct, diverse and talented people, both on and off camera, making their voices heard,” Tranter said. “The Edinburgh TV Festival has always embraced a passionate debate and for its 50th anniversary I’d like to hear those voices rise to a loud, discursive, celebratory roar.”

Festival chair Fatima Salaria praised Tranter as a “powerhouse,” noting her “playful sense of mischief and fearless instinct for danger.”

Previous Edinburgh TV Festival speakers have included heavyweight industry names like Jesse Armstrong, Billy Connolly, Steve Coogan, Brian Cox, Lin Manuel Miranda and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.